No matter what the weather’s like around me these days (alternately cold and spring-like, sunny and rainy by turns), I’m determined to think about pretty pretty shoes for any season. And after a visit a few weeks ago to a showroom full of Elizabeth Brady’s Spring 08 line, these have stayed in my head.

The spring line (which isn’t available to buy online yet) is full of colors and textures inspired by Elizabeth’s trips to the green market, which makes me long for green market weather. Check out the easy chic Diane.

Elizabeth Brady Diane

And the Fall 07 collection (which you can shop through over here) is full of shoes inspired by great women of the 1920s and 30s, like the Ella (presumably after Ella Fitzgerald), which is steely gray strength and pretty embroidered femininity in one sexy pump package.

Elizabeth Brady Ella

And Elizabeth herself is a great example of a strong and independent-minded woman. She started up her business all on her own in 2005 with an eye to producing artisan-crafted shoes made with the highest quality leathers, skins, and fabrics (most of which come from Italy and are pieced together in her factories there). She came armed with an inside view on the shoe industry from her grandmother’s successful shoe business, and once Elizabeth taught herself Italian, she was off to Florence to set up her design studio.

Her shoes are creative and a touch playful, but stick to classic silhouettes that are universally appealing. And her shoe design philosophy is something I think every woman can get behind.

There should be a beautiful shoe for every part of a woman’s life! I truly believe that shoes are an expression of who you are and the sensibilities that you carry. We all have a sexy side, a daring side and an “I just want to feel beautiful” side. When I design, I develop collections that can challenge women to make a statement no matter what they are doing. Each collection includes styles that go from day to night and every shoe is an interesting mix of color and texture. Shoes should be fun. Shoes should be a part of who you are!

I say we all go out and arm ourselves (or leg ourselves) for the new season with shoes that make a statement and let us have the footwear to match the women (and men) we want to be.